I found this article from 2001 before Gary stated he didn't build pinballs for the home market.

I find it confusing how he could not remember the significance of the home market when making the comment. "Greater Resale Value" being one of the key tenets to the changing market.

http://www.vendingtimes.com/ME.....4D6089A5F3EBA294CC6C

Great reading! Thanks Glen.

Boy were they wrong about thinking Monopoly would retain 80-100% of value in a few years.

Quoted from wbradley

Great reading! Thanks Glen.

Boy were they wrong about thinking Monopoly would retain 80-100% of value in a few years.

Agreed now LOTR on the other hand is probably in the 70-80% range still but Monopoly just didn't seem to gain popularity like they thougt it would.

Quoted from SquidVicious

Agreed now LOTR on the other hand is probably in the 70-80% range still but Monopoly just didn't seem to gain popularity like they thougt it would.

I really liked Monopoly when I had it for a while at the showroom. That being said I had Ripleys at the same time and I'd take it over Monopoly. Neither is really holding much value but I think in the long run RBION would be the better bet. I can't believe how low some other titles are going.  I saw a WPT on EBAY at $1500 that didn't get bid on. Similiar stories for an Austin Powers, High Roller Casino, and Striker Xtreme. It seems for every quasi-winner Stern has there's about 4 losers. Not a long term survival plan for any business unfortunately.

Quoted from shoeguy

It seems for every quasi-winner Stern has there's about 4 losers. Not a long term survival plan for any business unfortunately.

Williams had the same type of turn out. For every MM, there is a JD.

Stern has released some absolute classics that will, in my opinion, hold their own or increase over the years: TSPP, LOTR, Elvis (yes, Elvis! try finding one for less $3,500 USD), Shrek, Family Guy, and Spiderman all come to mind.

Speaking of Monopoly, I currently have one in the line up and I have to agree with Jim. Ripley's is a much better game. Shame, Monopoly looks great, sounds great, and has decent rules. The rules need some refinement to be a truely exceptional game. Such is life.

Duane

Quoted from wbradley

Boy were they wrong about thinking Monopoly would retain 80-100% of value in a few years.

Actually they weren't far off. The article states:

  "[collect money from the coinbox] for two or three years, then sell it for 80% to 100% of its original price".

Yes the 100% is silly, but 80% is pretty much bang on. Original cost of Monopoly was in the $3,400 range. I bet the going rate for a routed Monopoly was about $2,700 or more in 2004. They have only started to decrease in the last couple of years. It's not that long ago that routed examples were demanding in the $2,500 USD range.

Cheers,
Duane

Holy cow... Stern knows Aljo!

"Most just use WD40..."

just kidding

Well a lot goes into a pinball machine. Even at the 80% of the original value it's a lot of bang for your buck. The Ops were able offset depreciation with coin in the coin box. In the end for what you get out of a machine it's good value. Those games that hit a floor of $1000 are outstanding value, even then when we collectors may critical of them. Just look at most B list WPC's. You couldn't come close to building something like that for $1000 to $2000. As long as people don't look at an old pinball as junk that serves no purpose, it's all good value in the end IMHO. I can't see it ever coming to that as pinball is somewhat unique and really has no comparable replacement.

Quoted from TwilightZone

Actually they weren't far off. The article states:

  "[collect money from the coinbox] for two or three years, then sell it for 80% to 100% of its original price".

Yes the 100% is silly, but 80% is pretty much bang on. Original cost of Monopoly was in the $3,400 range. I bet the going rate for a routed Monopoly was about $2,700 or more in 2004. They have only started to decrease in the last couple of years. It's not that long ago that routed examples were demanding in the $2,500 USD range.

With you 100% on the Elvis .. played it once at Funland 3 years ago didn't like it but luckily we have access to one in TOPL and it is a very decent game (although I'd really like to try it with the volume up). Was monoploy 3.4K plus taxes ? or just 3.4K (ie 3K prior to taxes) ?

Quoted from TwilightZone

Williams had the same type of turn out. For every MM, there is a JD.

Duane

I though you loved your JD????

Quoted from SquidVicious

With you 100% on the Elvis .. played it once at Funland 3 years ago didn't like it but luckily we have access to one in TOPL and it is a very decent game (although I'd really like to try it with the volume up). Was monoploy 3.4K plus taxes ? or just 3.4K (ie 3K prior to taxes) ?

I did a quick search and someone posted they could get one for $3,300 USD. I don't know if that included tax or not.

In terms of Elvis, I initially thought it was pretty lame and easy. A few years go by and now I love it. Wish I had bought one back in the day. Great game.

Duane

Quoted from shoeguy

I though you loved your JD????

You're kidding right? I sold it to you and you pretty much had it sold before I hit the pavement I don't miss it at all. Not alot to the game. There is a reason it is a B title. Should be a C title IMO.

Duane